Easy Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Recipe

There are certain combinations that never go out of style—like peanut butter and jelly. This iconic duo is nostalgic, comforting, and universally loved. But imagine elevating that with the crispy, golden deliciousness of French toast. Welcome to the world of Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast—the ultimate fusion breakfast that’s both indulgent and easy to make.

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast, you’ll need the following tools:

• Mixing bowl (for egg mixture)

• Whisk or fork (to beat the eggs and mix the ingredients)

  - Advertisement -

• Large skillet or griddle (for cooking the French toast)

• Spatula (to flip the French toast)

• Butter knife or spoon (for spreading the peanut butter and jelly)

• Plates and serving platter (for serving)

Optional:

• Sifter (for powdered sugar)

• Bowl for toppings (if you plan to top with fresh fruit or syrup)

Flavor Profile

The Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast has an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy all your breakfast cravings:

• Peanut Butter: The creamy, nutty peanut butter adds richness and depth, and the slight saltiness complements the sweetness of the jelly.

• Jelly or Jam: The fruit jelly brings a tangy sweetness, and the fruity flavor cuts through the richness of the peanut butter, making it the perfect balance.

• French Toast: Golden, crisped edges, soft and custardy inside—French toast provides a warm, buttery base for the filling.

• Cinnamon & Vanilla: A subtle touch of cinnamon and vanilla in the egg batter adds depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall richness.

Together, these elements create the ultimate breakfast indulgence, making each bite a perfect mix of sweet, salty, and creamy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter and Jelly Filling

1. Spread the peanut butter on one slice of bread. Be generous, but make sure not to use too much that it’ll spill over.

2. Spread the jelly or jam on the other slice. Feel free to mix the jelly with a bit of powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.

3. Assemble the sandwich: Place the slice of bread with peanut butter on top of the one with the jelly, creating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

4. Set aside the prepared sandwiches while you prepare the egg mixture.

🍳 Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This will create the custard base for the French toast.

2. Make sure the mixture is well-combined and slightly frothy. If you want a richer French toast, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk.

🍞 Step 3: Soak the Sandwiches

1. Dip each assembled sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides. Be careful not to soak it too long, as it can get soggy.

2. Let the sandwich soak for about 10 seconds on each side, pressing it down gently with your fingers or a spatula.

🍳 Step 4: Cook the French Toast

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.

2. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the soaked sandwiches to the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.

3. Cook each sandwich for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges start to crisp up and the center feels firm when you press gently.

4. Use a spatula to flip and cook the other side. You should have a beautiful golden-brown crust on both sides.

🍯 Step 5: Serve the Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

1. Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate or serving platter.

2. Top with your desired garnishes—a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup are all excellent choices.

3. Serve immediately while still warm.

Pro Tips & Variations

💡 Pro Tips

• Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast for the best texture. These breads hold up well when soaked in the egg mixture and create a custardy inside with a crispy exterior.

• Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother consistency, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, go for crunchy peanut butter.

• Customize your jelly: Feel free to experiment with different types of jam or jelly, such as strawberry, raspberry, grape, or even a mix of fruit preserves. You could also use Nutella for a chocolate-peanut butter twist!

• Add spices: A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice in the egg batter will add a lovely warmth to the French toast.

• Make it more decadent: For an extra indulgent treat, add a spoonful of whipped cream on top or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like version.

🔄 Variations

• Banana Peanut Butter French Toast: Add thin slices of banana inside the sandwich with the peanut butter for a creamy, sweet variation.

• Vegan Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast: Use dairy-free bread, almond milk, and a plant-based egg replacement like chickpea flour or flax eggs.

• Chocolate Peanut Butter French Toast: Add chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling for a dessert-inspired version of the dish.

• PB&J French Toast Sticks: Cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces before soaking and cooking. This is a fun option for kids or if you want to serve it as a finger food.

Serving Suggestions

This Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast is delicious all on its own, but you can enhance the experience with some tasty sides:

• Fresh fruit: Serve with sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the French toast.

• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt on the side is a great way to balance out the sweetness.

• Bacon or sausage: For a savory contrast, serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links.

• Coffee or tea: This dish pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, a latte, or fresh orange juice for a full breakfast experience.

Storage & Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how you can store and reheat your French toast:

🧊 Storage:

• Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

🔥 Reheating:

• Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes until warmed through.

• Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole grain or gluten-free bread?

Yes! Whole grain or gluten-free bread can work just fine. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the bread.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While French toast is best served fresh, you can prepare the sandwiches and egg mixture ahead of time. Store the sandwiches and egg mixture in the fridge separately, then assemble and cook when ready.

What if I don’t like peanut butter?

No problem! You can swap peanut butter for Nutella, almond butter, or even cream cheese for a different filling.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

For an egg-free version, you can try a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tbsp ground flax or chia seeds + 3 tbsp water per egg) as a replacement for the eggs.

Conclusion

The Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast is the ultimate breakfast treat that combines two childhood favorites into one warm, crispy, and indulgent dish. It’s simple to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.